Gotbaum Seeks To Increase Availability Of Emergency Contraception For Teens
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A report by Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum finds teens are having a harder time getting emergency contraception at city clinics this year compared to last.
According to the report, only one third of Health and Hospitals Corporation and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene clinics provided same-day emergency contraception.
Gotbaum says Health and Hospitals Corporation officials are making changes based on the report.
"Health and Hospitals Corporation has created a new policy that expands access to emergency contraception," Gotbaum said. "To me, that is the most important issue here, that more teenage girls can now get emergency contraception. Emergency contraception should be free to all teenagers who want it."
"In order to administer emergency contraception requires a licensed dispenser or provider, and we only have a finite number of providers," said Dr. Susan Blank of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. "We do make every effort to have those providers present at those sites where the demand is the highest."
Department of Health officials say anyone looking for emergency contraception can call 311 or visit nyc.gov/health.